NEWS

Congratulations to the Monadnock Region 2017 DSP and Home Provider of the Year

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Written by MDS News

Created: 09 September 2017

Each fall Monadnock Developmental Services selects the Monadnock region Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Home Provider of the Year, recognizing a DSP and a Home Provider who have shown outstanding service in caring for the people with whom they work on a daily basis. This year’s winners are Charles “Pete” Tenney III, DSP of the Year; and Esther Beverly, Home Provider of the Year.

This year’s Monadnock Region DSP of the Year is Pete Tenney of Winchester. For more than a dozen years, following his retirement from the U.S. Postal Service, Pete has worked quietly and effectively to motivate and encourage the people he supports. His focus on building relationships and moving forward to build one’s life have paid off in spades with those lucky enough to work with him. This has been particularly true with a local man whose aggressive behaviors have dwindled considerably over the past five years, thanks to Pete’s hard work and patience. Pete also volunteers with the Keene Special Olympics group, coaching basketball, softball, bowling and track for over ten years. His exemplary caregiving skills are also put to use in the MDS Peer Mentor program, in which he provides one-on-one guidance and support to new DSPs as they learn the ropes of caregiving.

“Pete is a role model for our individuals and his peers. He is known for his sensitivity, giving nature, and desire to help those in need. His overall commitment to the people we serve is remarkable,” says a long-time MDS Service Coordinator Heather Riley.

Esther Beverly, also from Winchester, is the 2017 Monadnock Region Home Provider of the Year. Over the past four years, Esther has diligently forged a relationship with a young woman with significant challenges who had moved from provider to provider over a period of many years. She welcomed Jen into her family, built trust, and created a safe home environment for her. The results have been heartening for everyone. Esther’s dedication to helping Jen has helped stabilize her, and allowed her to focus on personal growth, and set and achieve goals.

“As part of the Beverly family, Jen feels like she contributes to something worthwhile every day, and has something to work toward,” says Beth Staudt, MDS Service Coordinator. “None of this would have come to fruition if not for the everyday, intensive support, unconditional love, guidance and encouragement of Esther.”

We thank all our DSPs and Home Providers for the good work they do each and every day to support people with developmental disabilities. Other nominees for this year’s awards were: Sharon Beal, Troy; Mary Burton, Greenfield; Brandi Davis, Keene; Diane Erb, Keene; Diane Gregory, Antrim; Michelle Jaramillo, Hancock; Billy Kirker, Troy; and Nikki Wilcox and Megan McDonald, Marlborough.

In the work done by MDS and its partners, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Home Providers are the closest to the front line, after families, in supporting people with disabilities. Congratulations to these outstanding caregivers and to all DSPs and Home Providers who make a difference each and every day in the lives of those with developmental disabilities and in need of long-term care and support.